NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans hotelier and developer Joe Jaeger has died from injuries he sustained in a vehicle crash near his home in Folsom, Louisiana.
Jaeger was a well-known and well-established real estate developer in New Orleans. He owned several properties in the city including the Jung Hotel, the Bourbon Orleans, and the blighted Plaza Tower. Jaeger owned more hotels in the French Quarter than any other developer.
A Louisiana State Police report says Jaegar was involved in a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 25 near J Core Road in St. Tammany Parish early Wednesday morning.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2024 GMC Terrain, driven by Jaeger, was stopped in a private drive, preparing to turn onto LA Hwy 25. At the same time, a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound on LA Hwy 25. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC entered the roadway into the path of the Chevrolet. As a result, the Chevrolet struck the front driver’s side of the GMC” said the LSP report.
Jaeger has been the subject of controversy in recent years for his ownership and management of several large, blighted properties, including the abandoned Lindy Boggs Medical Center and Market Street Power Plant complexes he sold, as well as the former Navy Support facility his company leases from the city and the Plaza Tower skyscraper he’s owned for a decade.
In an extensive interview with WWL Louisiana and The Times-Picayune in 2022, Jaeger defended his ownership of large blighted properties, saying he tries to do what’s best for his beloved New Orleans but struggles to get the kind of large financing packages necessary to complete massive reconstruction projects in today’s market.
Jaeger’s longtime business adviser Mike Sherman sent the following statement on behalf of Jaeger’s family.
Joseph A. Jaeger, Jr., best known as one of the region's most prolific entrepreneurs and real estate developers, died today at the age of 77. Growing up in the Ninth Ward, Jaeger became an apprentice plumber after graduating from Holy Cross School. From those humble roots as an apprentice at age 19, by 35 years old, Jaeger owned MCC Group and grew into one of the region's largest mechanical construction firms.
Following MCC Group's success, he built an expansive hotel and real estate portfolio including the Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, Maison Dupuy, and Audubon Cottages, among others.
Generously supporting the people and communities he lived and worked in was not just a virtue to Joe, but a way of life. He took great pride in the thousands of team members at his construction, real estate, and hospitality companies, and to Joe, these team members were part of his extended family and he loved them.
Mr. Jaeger was an active supporter and board member of the Audubon Nature Institute, and he was a member of several groups and associations, including the Young Presidents Association, World Presidents Association, Associated General Contractors, Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Northshore Community Foundation, North Shore Business Council, and Business Council of New Orleans.
He is survived by his wife, Becky, and sons Joey (59), Ryan (51), and Mike (51). He is predeceased by his son Todd. He is survived by John who is also like a son along with his grandchildren.
Governor Jeff Landry said in a statement posted to social media:
God has called home one of New Orleans' greatest business leaders. Joe Jaeger’s life exemplified the American dream. He started as a plumber from the Lower 9th Ward and soon became the biggest hotel owner in New Orleans. His success story is inspirational and his friendship was so appreciated. Please join me and Sharon in prayer for his family!
The City of New Orleans issued the following statement:
Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell on behalf of the citizens of New Orleans sends heartfelt condolences to the Jaeger family on the passing of Mr. Joe Jaeger, a prominent real estate developer and entrepreneur in New Orleans. Mr. Jaeger was a treasured member of the community and started his hard work as an apprentice plumber and continued to climb the business ladder to become the President and CEO of the MCC Real Estate Group. Mr. Jaeger was also a well-known multiple property hotel owner and contributed to several charitable causes and organizations in the city. We extend our prayers to the Jaeger family, his friends, and the dedicated team members of his company, and it is our hope that he rest in love and perfect peace.
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